There are Juneteenth celebrations taking place all over the Bay. Photo courtesy of BARTable staff.

Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, celebrates the news of the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation into law. This declared all enslaved individuals in the southern rebellion states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”

Today, Jubilee Day, widely referred to as Juneteenth, is celebrated and commemorated across the United States. In the Bay Area, there are many virtual and in-person celebrations taking place. Read on to see our list.

Virtual

See the Grown Women Dance Collective perform for Juneteenth. Photo courtesy of Grown Women Dance Collective.

Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Celebration Through Dance 

Allstars of the dance world come together to celebrate dance, music and American history. Beautifully crafted pieces will honor the legacy of James Brown, DMX, Bobby Womack, Nina Simone, and Maya Angelou. Using dance and music to teach and celebrate African American history, the power of dancers in their 40s and 50s uplift, inspire, and create a beautiful healing space for us to see ourselves and see each other. See the Grown Women Dance Collective website for the full schedule and more information.

A Juneteenth Tribute to James Baldwin on Zoom

James Baldwin's personal life and literary legacy are explored through his diverse life-long friendships and muses, his front-line political activism, and his cross-cultural connections and influences while living in Paris. This up close and intimate conversation includes British writer and former editor of the Times Literary Supplement James Campbell, author of "Talking at the Gates: A Life of James Baldwin" who knew Baldwin in Paris, Brooklyn based writer/essayist Clifford Thompson, "What It Is: Race, Family and One Thinking Black Man's Blues" and host Bay Area writer/poet and playwright Jewelle Gomez, "Waiting for Giovanni." RSVP for the Zoom livestream link.

Juneteenth Chat N Chill with Terrance Kelly

East Bay

Celebrate Juneteenth at Lake Merritt in Oakland on Saturday, June 19. Photo courtesy of The Crucible.

Lake Merritt Juneteenth Festival

Experience the annual Lake Merritt Juneteenth Festival at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater. Enjoy DJs, art installations, speakers and presentations, food vendors, and more.

When: Saturday, June 19 - 12-8pm

Where: Lake Merritt Amphitheater, between 12th Street and 1st Ave, Lake Merritt Blvd, Oakland, CA 94612

Station: Lake Merritt

Walk time: Seven minutes

Website: Stay Happening

Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

The Hayward Black Business Roundtable presents its first annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration - Jobs, Wellness & Resources Fair. It'll be held at the Hayward City Hall Plaza. COVID vaccinations will also be offered. The first 300 people to receive vaccinations will receive a $50 gift card to the Hayward Farmer's Market.

When: Saturday, June 19 - 10am-2pm

Where: 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541

Station: Hayward

Walk time: Four minutes

Website: Friends of Hayward Library

Laney College Juneteenth Lawn Party

Enjoy the amazing party grooves played by the World Famous RICK & RUSS Show with CJ Flash, join the jammin' Djembe circle or dance your day away during the Afro-Caribbean dance parade. There will be great local food vendors and small business merchandising. Tickets are $10.

When: Saturday, June 19 - 10am-3pm

Where: 900 Fallon St, Oakland, CA 94607

Station: Lake Merritt

Walk time: Two minutes

Website: Juneteenth Lawn Party

Bay Area Mural Program Presents: Art Clash

The Bay Area nonprofit, Bay Area Mural Program plans to host a street art competition and festival for guests of all ages. During the event, local artists will compete by creating spray paint and brushwork pieces around the theme “The Oakland Experience … What’s Your Imprint?,” vying for a $1,000 prize. Work created during the event will then be auctioned off, with 75% of profits going directly to the artist. The event is also set to feature DJ sets, live performances, and food vendors.

When: Saturday, June 19 - 12-6pm

Where: 7th West, 1255 7th St, Oakland, CA 94607

Station: West Oakland

Walk time: Six minutes

Website: Bay Area Mural Program

 

San Francisco

Celebrate Juneteenth with MegaBlack SF and CUESA at the Ferry Building on Saturday. Gumbo Social (pictured), among other food vendors will be there. Photo courtesy of Gumbo Social.

Juneteenth on the Waterfront

Celebrate local Black-owned businesses at Juneteenth on the Waterfront on Saturday, June 19. Join MegaBlack SF, CUESA, and the Port of San Francisco for a day of fun, community, and delicious, handcrafted food at the Embarcadero Ferry Terminal Plaza (south of the Ferry Building) and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Entry is free and open to the public, and food will be available for purchase.

When: Saturday, June 19 - 8am-2pm

Where: Embarcadero Ferry Terminal Plaza, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111

Station: Embarcadero

Walk time: Five minutes

Website: Juneteenth on the Waterfront

71st Annual SF Juneteenth Festival

Celebrate Juneteenth all week long with the Fillmore Heritage Center. On Friday, June 18, from 5-8pm see the Black Panther Exhibit, hear a live DJ at the Fillmore Heritage Gallery, and learn the history of Juneteenth. On Saturday, June 19, from 12-5pm join the Juneteenth in-person celebration in the Fillmore at the Fillmore Heritage Gallery.

When: Friday, June 18 - 5-8pm; Saturday, June 19 - 12-5pm

Where: Fillmore Heritage Center, 1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

Station: Civic Center/UN Plaza, transfer to SF Muni 5 Fulton at McAllister and Larkin Streets

Walk time: 16 minutes

Website: 71st Annual SF Juneteenth Festival

Let's get social. 

How are you celebrating Juneteenth? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable (virtual) events, places to eat (grab take out from) and have fun (outside) around the Bay.